On Monday jury selection began in the trial of a man accused of raping a woman and stealing her car in 2018.
At the time of his arrest Leonard Lambey was charged with 1 count Felony Rape 1st degree, 1 count Felony Kidnapping 1st degree, 1 count Felony Robbery 1st Degree, 1 count Felony Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, 1 count Felony Home Invasion, 1 count Felony Theft of a Motor Vehicle, and 1 count Misdemeanor Criminal Mischief.
In September of 2018 patrol officers from the New Castle County Division of Police were dispatched to the area of building 34 Fairway Road, in the Hunters Crossing Apartments, for an assault report that occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m, according to police.
Officials said when the officers arrived at the scene they learned that the 33-year-old victim reported that when she returned home from work she was assaulted by an unknown male.
During the investigation, Detectives learned that the suspect forced his way into the victim’s apartment shortly after 5:30 hours. The suspect, armed with a weapon, then sexually assaulted the victim before fleeing the scene, according to police.
Through a comprehensive investigation, which involved the New York City Police Department, detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police, Criminal Investigations Unit were able to sign arrest warrants for Leonard Lambey, in connection with the sexual assault which occurred in Hunter’s Crossing Apartments on September 2nd, officials said at the time.
By maintaining communication with multiple out of state law enforcement agencies, detectives from the New Castle County Police Criminal Investigation Unit were able to locate the victims stolen 2013 Honda CRV in Brooklyn, New York City. Officers from the New York City Police Department set up surveillance and when the subject returned to the vehicle he was taken into custody, according to authorities. That subject was identified as 25-year-old Leonard Lambey.
In 2018 Colonel Vaughn Bond, Jr., Chief of Police. said: “Random attacks of this nature are of the utmost concern to the New Castle County Police.” “From the onset of this investigation, we utilized every resource available as well as our partnerships with other law enforcement agencies to track and eventually arrest the suspect in New York City. Our thoughts and support are with the victim who has been nothing short of amazing throughout this unfortunate incident.”
Leonard Lambey was held in New York City and later extradition to Delaware to await trial. Below is an artist rendering police released to the media shortly after the incident.
